Qualcomm is seeing huge buzz from Android for a demand related to satellite messaging via texts.
Android is set to collaborate with Qualcomm on this. The announcement came about at the MWC 2023, wherein the latter revealed all names of smartphone manufacturers looking to use Snapdragon Satellite for launching new handsets.
More Details
The top names that emerged are Xiaomi, Motorola, Oppo, Nothing, Vivo and Nothing.
This satellite connectivity feature is set to be available on phones in the mid-range segment as well as the premium categories.
Earlier in January, Qualcomm the American chipmaker had tied up with the global satellite biggie, Iridium. The companies had come along for use of connectivity to top end Android smartphones. The connectivity mode would be cellular-to-satellite and would be made available on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Generation 2 platform backed by Snapdragon 5G modem.
Inner Deets
Qualcomm commented that it has been expanding its availability of the Satellite for all its processor ranges. A related PR stated, “By incorporating Snapdragon Satellite into next-generation devices, our partners will be able to offer satellite messaging capabilities thanks to a mature and commercially available global LEO constellation, which can allow subscribers around the world to communicate outdoors with emergency service providers, as well as family and friends.”
When Qualcomm had initially announced the new feature earlier it also mentioned that emergency messaging can be made available in some regions by 2023. At the MWC 2023 though Qualcomm had no more clues to offer in this context.
Summing Up
It did state, “As the Snapdragon Satellite ecosystem grows, OEMs and app developers can differentiate and offer unique branded services taking advantage of satellite connectivity. Snapdragon Satellite is planned to support 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), as NTN satellite infrastructure and constellations become available.”
